You know, if you want that signature Super Nintendo/Sega Genesis sound, without having to learn how to program a YM2612. It features C64, NES, and GB sounds too.

If nothing else, it has some lovely demos (though that 1st one is a little wacky).

Gawd dawn. Even on these shitty laptop speakers, some of those demos are marvelous._________________Mike Kasprzak
'eh whatever. I used to make AAA and Indie games | Ludum Dare | Blog | Tweetar

PoVModeratorJoined: 21 Aug 2005
Posts: 10971
Location: Canadia

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2017 12:46 pm Post subject:

One of these days I'm going to buy a Synth.

I've had MIDI keyboards for years, but they kinda suck because you have to plug them in to a computer and turn on the computer (and wait... oh gawd).

I want something small and portable I can lay on my couch and just turn-on and play.

I'm not a pianist, so I'm totally fine with Synthesizer mini keys, as long as they feel good (my Korg MIDI keyboard is excellent, and I've been underwhelmed by M-Audio, E-MU and AKAI).

I'm also a bit of a nerd, so little features like Analog Synthesis are kinda interesting to me. ;)

Anyway, there appears to be a "line" of 3 octave mini keyboards that fit what I'm looking for. You edit your patches on the PC, and upload them with a click. They also all seem to include a mic and vocoder, which is fine too.

Hybrid Analog and Digital Synth! No silly dubstep button! Appears to be the best all-in-one at the price point._________________Mike Kasprzak
'eh whatever. I used to make AAA and Indie games | Ludum Dare | Blog | Tweetar

syn9neContributorJoined: 09 Jan 2010
Posts: 375

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 2:38 pm Post subject:

PoV wrote:

The weirdest part is the collection includes the raw chopped up instrumental elements from Chemlab's track "Exile on Mainline".

^^ one of my favorite songs of all time. Back when I was really into Chemlab and 16 Volt.

Since we're talking gear, I used to have expensive gear, but I started downsizing a few years ago.

Audio Interface: I started with an E-MU 1616M, then moved to a MOTU Ultralite Firewire Interface when I needed better mic preamps (and thought I cared about surround sound mixing). Firewire was a bitch to work with though, and when USB 2.0 interfaces started coming out I sold it (someone else's problem). I briefly had a Zoom R16, but it didn't work with Linux.

Nowadays I use a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 with my KRK Rokit monitors when it matters, or a Zoom h4n field recorder with my AudioTechnica ATH-M50 cans otherwise (works as a surprisingly decent interface, and is Linux compatible).

Instruments: I started with an E-MU 25 key USB keyboard, replaced that with an M-Audio Axiom 49. I liked the Axiom, but it was just too large. I also briefly had an M-Audio Trigger Finger (i.e. 4x4 grid of pads). I sold all that stuff, and replaced it with a Korg Microkey which I still happily use today.

I also have an older Roland Electronic V-Drums Drumkit (the full kit with rubber pads for toms). It was in my parents basement until recently. Just set it up again.

I have a Alesis ControlPad, which is a 4x2 drum pad I'm in the process of selling (I barely use the drums).

I have an 80's bargain FM keyboard and a MIDI Guitar as well, but they live in the closet (the keyboard isn't velocity sensitive, and has 5 memory slots that don't save all parameters, bleh).

Mic: My bragging microphone is a Rode NTK tube mic. I have an AudioTechnica mic somewhere too (it might also be the AT-3035). Practically though I tend to use the mics built in to the Zoom h4n more than anything. I actualy just bought a cheapo lavaliere mic on sale to hold me over until I feel rich enough to buy a Rode Lavalier mic.

Virtual Instruments: I spent several thousands of dollars on virtual instruments some years ago. Lots of East West (Sounds Online) content. I stopped though. The only recent activity was that I upgraded Kontakt to the latest version, or upgraded my copy of Komplete... honestly I can't remember which way I went. Oh and I did grab Super Audio Cart 'cause I couldn't resist. ;)

I'm back using Ableton, after a stint with Renoise again. That said I so rarely touch music stuff anymore (my gear needs these days tends to be narrating videos)._________________Mike Kasprzak
'eh whatever. I used to make AAA and Indie games | Ludum Dare | Blog | Tweetar